Europeans are turning their attention to the search capabilities of their mobile phones when looking for new jobs, a study finds.

Six per cent of all mobile searches were for jobs and recruitment consultants in December 2006.

According to mobile search firm mobilePeople, the overall number of mobile searches during 2006 jumped ten-fold on the previous year.

The most popular mobile search category was taxis, followed by takeaways, restaurants, supermarkets and consumer electronics.

Other top searches in 2006 included banks, hotels, garage services, car parts, hairdressers, medical services, cinemas and department stores.

MobilePeople chief executive Jens Andersen said: "It is evident that consumers are warming up to the idea of searching on mobiles.

"Who would have thought a year ago about looking for a job on their mobile.

"Companies worldwide are now facing winning over the 'I need it now' generation that chooses a mobile phone as a means of searching for information.

"It's the final call to get on the mobile web or miss out."